₦airaland Forum

NBA defends Melaye’s inclusion in 2025 confab panel

The Nigerian Bar Association has defended the inclusion of former Kogi State senator, Dino Melaye, popular activist, Deji Adeyanju, and other young lawyers in the panel sessions of its last Annual General Conference.

In a statement on Saturday, the Chairman of the NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee, Emeka Obegolu, SAN, said the move was in line with the association’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.

Since the conference was held in Enugu few days ago, heated debate had erupted on social media after a video clip surfaced showing a lawyer, Timothy Tugbiyele, expressing displeasure over the “special recognition” accorded to those he described as “very junior lawyers” at the event.

But reacting, the AGCPC chairman stressed that the decision to feature the young lawyers as panelists reflected the NBA president’s directive that the gathering must embody an all-inclusive Bar.

“When the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, constituted and inaugurated the AGCPC, he charged us with a singular mandate – to give Nigerian lawyers and guests a memorable experience.

“Within the overall charge was also a specific mandate to ensure that his promise of an all-inclusive Bar is reflected in all facets of the 2025 conference programme,” he said.

Obegolu admitted that concerns had been raised over the choice of panelists such as former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, veteran actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Adeyanju and Melaye, but emphasised that “none of the mentioned lawyers spoke on any issue that could be said to be beyond their remit.”

He explained that Chidoka featured in a session on “setting forth at dawn” because of his early rise to public office and ministerial appointment, while Kanayo moderated the same panel as a pioneer in Nollywood who had made his mark at a young age.

On Adeyanju, he noted that the activist was included in a human rights panel alongside senior lawyers.

“May that day never come when we refuse to feature young lawyers even though we talk about inclusiveness,” he declared.

As for Melaye, Obegolu clarified that his participation was unplanned.

He said, “Three panelists did not show up and we appealed to Senator Dino Melaye to step in.

“I wonder who would object to having a former legislator, a Senator at that, speaking on such an issue (maritime security from the perspective of legislative oversight). But then, what do I know!”

The AGCPC chairman maintained that the NBA would continue to provide platforms for young lawyers and unconventional voices in its activities.

ThroneNGamez:
https://punchng.com/nba-defends-melayes-inclusion-in-2025-confab-panel/#google_vignette

RISQUE:
Mention the names of the 3 Panelists that didn't show up? NBA just made nonsense of the Conference at Enugu. If you are looking for young lawyers, there are many all over Nigeria not Dino Melaye and the other one that calls himself a human Left Activist.

I wonder who would object to having a former legislator, a Senator at that, speaking on such an issue (maritime security from the perspective of legislative oversight). But then, what do I know!”

omenka:
Everybody just dey do anyhow for this country. Melaye indeed.

Last last, na Gringori daughter in-law go finish am.

AntiChristian:
Of all people na melaye remain?

Ehn ehn!

Hushpuppi season 2!

omenka:
Everybody just dey do anyhow for this country. Melaye indeed.

Last last, na Gringori daughter in-law go finish am.

AntiChristian:
Of all people na melaye remain?

Ehn ehn!

Hushpuppi season 2!

Slimm01:
Whether human right activist, radical politician or even mere movie actor.....as as long as they are qualified lawyers, they have rights to attend any gathering involving the law profession. Their personal ideologies doesn't take the fact away that they are still lawyers. Nigeria is full of hypocrites and political ass lickers. The reason Judiciary in this country has become rubbish and rubber-stamp institution always taking orders from the executive president.

RISQUE:
Mention the names of the 3 Panelists that didn't show up? NBA just made nonsense of the Conference at Enugu. If you are looking for young lawyers, there are many all over Nigeria not Dino Melaye and the other one that calls himself a human Left Activist.

Typing:
You are just pained that Dino was invited. Maybe you are a senior Lawyer that has never ever had the opportunity to attend such a great event in the past. Na that one dey pain you